THE short film "Rúbaí" produced by Charleville born Gemma O'Shaughnessy has been accepted for the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

This is a fantastic accolade for the short film which is written by Antoin Beag O'Calla, is directed by Louise Ni Fhiannachta and stars young Kerry actress Doireann Ni Fhoighil in the title role.

"Rúbaí" has won the hearts of audiences all over Ireland, the UK and America and has managed to scoop two festival awards to date, Best New Short Drama at The Galway Fleadh and Best Irish Short at The Charlie Chaplain Comedy Festival in Waterville, County Kerry.

It was also featured at the recent Jameson Dublin International Film Festival.

The film, which tells the story of a young girl who refuses to prepare for her First Communion, was screened on St. Patrick's weekend at the Dingle International Film Festival and at Trafalgar Square, London as part of a showcase of Irish short films.

In the New York festival the film will be competing in the narrative short film programme against six other entries in this category.

The Tribeca Film Festival helps filmmakers reach the broadest possible audience, enabling the international film community and general public to experience the power of cinema and promote New York City as a major filmmaking centre. It is well known for being a diverse international film festival that supports emerging and established directors.

Founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 following the attacks on the World Trade Center, to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of the lower Manhattan district through an annual celebration of film, music, and culture, the Festival brings the industry and community together around storytelling.

"We are thrilled with the success of the film to date and hope to build on this with more films by Antoin Beag O Colla in the future," said Gemma O' Shaughnessy, Producer for Magamedia.

"The success of the finished film is also due to the outstanding talent of Doireann Ní Fhoighil who did a remarkable job of playing Rúbaí in such a compelling and loveable way."

Gemma also said the film has also been nominated for an upcoming Irish Film and Television Award.